Choosing the right ultralight tent stakes is essential for shelter stability and comfort during hikes. This is particularly crucial for ultralight backpackers.
Our guide has you covered. We’ve reviewed the top ultralight tent stakes considering weight, terrain suitability, durability, and cost.
Key Specs
Weight Per Stake: 0.2 ounces (6 grams) | Length: 6″ (152 mm)
Suitable for: Most terrain types
Material: Titanium
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ Ultralight
✅ Durable
✅ Great for most terrains
CONS
❌ Expensive
The Vargo Titanium Tent Stakes are a game-changer for lightweight camping. These shepherd’s hook-style stakes weigh just 0.2 ounces (6 grams), yet they’re incredibly strong in different terrains. Their slim design makes them glide through rocky soil and stay tough against bending.
We vouch for their dependability, making them a must-have for your outdoor trips. The added benefit is that you can buy these stakes individually, allowing you to get as many as you need for your camping setup.
However, it’s worth noting that the only downside is their price, which is around 30% higher than other alternatives. Still, you can count on these stakes for a winning mix of lightness and long-lasting performance.
Key Specs
Weight Per Stake: 0.35 ounces (10 grams) | Length: 5.9″ (150 mm)
Suitable for: Soft to medium terrain types
Material: 7000-series aluminum
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Strong yet light
✅ Reasonably priced
✅ Sturdy pull loops
CONS
❌ Not sold separately
The smaller, lighter version of the well-known Groundhog tent stake maintains the original’s reliable performance while shedding unnecessary weight. Designed with a Y-beam shape, it excels at securing tents in medium-hard soil, thanks to its robust 7000-series aluminum build. Sold in packages of 6, the package size might pose a bit of inconvenience if you’re looking to purchase stakes separately.
Although they have performed well in our testing, it’s worth mentioning that there have been very rare reports of breakages, typically occurring in hard soil conditions.
Key Specs
Weight Per Stake: 0.25 ounces (7 grams) | Length: 5.75″ (146 mm)
Suitable for: Most terrain types
Material: 7075-T6 aluminum alloy
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Strong yet light
✅ Relatively affordable
✅ Reflective pull loops
CONS
❌ Not sold separately
❌ Relatively short
The Ground Control Light Tent Pegs are a crucial addition to your camping gear, offering a blend of strength and convenience. They can come with Alto or Telos tents or be bought individually, boasting an innovative TriPoint design that ensures a reliable grip on diverse terrains. Secure anchoring, even on tough ground, is facilitated by multiple notches.
However, it’s important to note that they are only available in packs of six. Longer stakes, providing increased stability, are also available on the market.
From our experience, these pegs consistently prove their dependability, even in challenging weather and ground conditions. Reflective pull loops enhance visibility for nighttime setups, offering extra peace of mind. For those aiming to get the best value for their investment, these stakes present an excellent option.
Key Specs
Weight Per Stake: 0.35 ounces (10 grams) | Length: 6″ (152 mm)
Suitable for: Most terrain types
Material: 7075 aluminum
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ Great for hard ground
✅ Built in locking system
✅ Great warranty
CONS
❌ Expensive
❌ Not sold separately
The Airpin Ultralight Stakes shine as a strategic investment for hikers seeking both efficiency and reliability. Featuring an ingenious three-point locking system that eliminates the need for knots or additional gear, these stakes are crafted from premium 7075 aluminum, striking a harmonious balance between strength and lightweight design. The tapered shape facilitates effortless insertion into the ground, and rest easy knowing they’re covered by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty.
Our own experience with the Airpin Stakes reinforces the glowing feedback shared by fellow hikers. We’ve rigorously tested them across a range of terrains, from challenging landscapes to compacted dirt surfaces. These stakes have consistently exhibited remarkable durability and ease of use. It’s worth noting that they are available in conveniently sized packs of 2 or 4.
Key Specs
Weight Per Stake: 0.28 ounces (8 grams) | Length: 6.1″ (155 mm)
Suitable for: Most terrain types (excluding sand)
Material: Aluminum (not specified)
Price: $
PROS
✅ Extremely affordable
✅ Great length
CONS
❌ Not great in sand
❌ Not sold separately
The DD Superlight Pegs are a solid choice if you’re aiming to balance weight and strength. These pegs offer reliability without adding unnecessary bulk to your gear. Each peg, weighing just 8g, packs a punch when it comes to sturdiness. The square-ish shape of these pegs offers easy storage, and the small hook on top, though not suitable for thicker cords, still holds average-sized guy lines well.
Our experience mirrors the positive feedback we’ve received from fellow hikers. These pegs provide a cost-effective alternative without compromising performance. While they excel in fairly hard ground, they may not be the best fit for looser terrain or sand.
Selecting the right tent stakes isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your camping conditions, like rocky, sandy, or windy terrains, which can require specific stakes in extreme circumstances.
Y-stakes, most of the stakes mentioned in this guide, are quite versatile and work well in most situations. But if you want extra peace of mind, consider specialized stakes designed for specific conditions.
Durability is also essential, and Y-stakes and V-stakes are known for being tough. Look for compact and lightweight stakes that are easy to pack.
Longer stakes can provide more stability in softer ground. Be ready to choose stakes that match your next adventure.
You can also check out our post on this topic to become an expert in tent stakes.
